Dodgers and Cubs to Open 2025 Season in Tokyo
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) season with a highly anticipated international series in Tokyo, Japan. The two-game series is set to take place on March 18-19 at the iconic Tokyo Dome, adding another chapter to MLB's storied history of global expansion.
This matchup will not only feature a battle between two storied franchises but will also spotlight some of Japan's most celebrated baseball talents currently in MLB. The Dodgers' roster will include Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, while the Cubs will field Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga. This event promises to be a momentous occasion for Japanese fans, who will have the opportunity to see their homegrown players in action on their native soil.
The upcoming series in Tokyo will mark the sixth time MLB has opened a regular season in Japan, reflecting the league's ongoing commitment to international outreach. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred underscored this commitment, stating, “Major League Baseball is incredibly excited for this extensive slate of international games in 2024.”
MLB's international agenda doesn't end in Japan. The 2024 season saw the Dodgers begin their campaign with a two-game series against the San Diego Padres in Seoul, South Korea. This was the first time MLB had opened a season in Korea, adding yet another country to its growing list of international hosts.
Commissioner Manfred's enthusiasm for these initiatives was palpable. “Our recent efforts have produced strong enthusiasm around the globe, and we look forward to building on that foundation with returns to Mexico City and London, while also opening the season in Korea for the first time. In addition, we can’t wait to celebrate the tradition of the sport in the Dominican Republic with our visit to Santo Domingo next March,” said Manfred.
MLB's international itinerary is impressively packed. In addition to the series in Tokyo, the league has scheduled games in Mexico City, featuring the Houston Astros and the Colorado Rockies, and in London, showcasing the New York Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies. This broad outreach is designed to expand MLB's footprint and engage with diverse baseball audiences around the globe.
Furthermore, spring training games are planned for the Dominican Republic, where the Tampa Bay Rays will face the Boston Red Sox. The New York Yankees will also play an exhibition game in Mexico City against the Diablos Rojos, providing a treat for Latin American baseball fans well ahead of the regular season.
The international games are part of MLB's strategic efforts to globalize the sport, bringing baseball's rich tradition and thrilling competition to new and returning international fans. “We are thrilled that our fans across four different countries outside the United States and Canada will have the opportunity to see the game’s stars,” Manfred added.
This multifaceted approach is expected to foster a deeper connection with baseball enthusiasts worldwide, paving the way for future international events and collaborations. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Tokyo, ready to witness this exciting blend of American baseball tradition and international fanfare.